The best ways to protect new motorhomes from theft

There’s nothing quite like your premises being burgled or your property being stolen. It’s a truly unfortunate experience which can take a real mental toll – the sense of violation, the continuing worry afterwards and the thought that perhaps you could have done more to stop something like this happening in the first place. All of this in addition to the financial cost and the time it takes to deal with the crime…

Ways to protect your motorhome

When it’s a vehicle that is stolen the misery becomes even worse. Whatever the type of vehicle, whether it’s a humble child’s bicycle or a preloved motorhome. In this edition of our blog we’ll run through some of the things you can do to make sure that you motorhome is protected from theft.

1. Insurance

Okay, so this isn’t actually protecting you in the sense that it will stop thieves stealing your motorhome. But insurance is an essential step to allow you to legally drive on the road. It will also, in the event of a theft, allow you some financial recompense (dependent on the exact terms of your policy).

2. Cameras

If you have a CCTV security camera (or cameras) installed at the property where your motorhome is parked, then you will immediately be more secure because cameras act as a deterrent. If they don’t happen to stop a theft then they will almost certainly be able to help in identifying those who committed the crime. You can put stickers on the windows which warn potential thieves that the vehicle is under 24/7 camera surveillance.

3. Trackers

Install a tracking device in your motorhome. These electronic devices are registered with a control centre, which means that if your motorhome is stolen you can inform them, and they will be able to track it. This increases the chance of getting your beloved vehicle back. We mentioned insurance a moment ago – the validity of some policies is dependent on having a tracker installed in your motorhome.

4. Alarm

One of the smartest things you can do to ensure the security of your motorhome (or any vehicle, come to that) is installing an alarm. Not all new motorhomes come with an alarm already fitted, so if that’s the case, then you should ensure you get one installed as soon as possible. Again, the validity of your insurance policy might depend on it.

• The alarm itself is a highly functional device which will ‘do the job’ when activated – in other words it will emit a loud noise to scare off potential thieves. An additional benefit is that when you display a window sticker saying that your vehicle has an alarm fitted, it acts as a highly effective deterrent.
• Fitting an alarm in your motorhome can come at a cost, but it is money well spent if it stops your motorhome being stolen, stolen from or vandalised.

5. Immobiliser

Again, your motorhome may have an immobiliser already installed when you buy it, but if it doesn’t then this is something which is important to have fitted. An immobiliser will ensure that your motorhome cannot move if someone breaks into it with the intention of driving it away. It literally immobilises it. An immobiliser will work even if the vehicle is hot-wired as opposed to attempted key ignition.

As is the case with those fitted to cars, whenever your campervan comes to a stop and the ignition is turned off then the immobiliser will activate. Once again, your motorhome insurance policy may stipulate that you must have an immobiliser fitted.

6. Locks and clamps

Invest in steering wheel locks, gearstick locks, clutch locks and pedal clamps and, if possible, wheel clamps. These will ensure that your motorhome cannot be driven away by casual thieves. All these types of security equipment will deter thieves. Just like with cars, it’s smart to use steering wheel locks whenever you leave your motorhome unattended, not just when it’s parked up overnight or for significant periods of time.

Following these tips will ensure that you are as protected as you can be and that your motorhome remains safe and secure – but our advice is this: you can always do more. Look at other things you can to make your vehicle less of a target. Remove valuables from sight, and so on. Thieves are an inventive bunch - and if only they’d put their ingenuity and enterprise to constructive use!

Here at Wandahome we have a huge selection of motorhomes for sale. We stock new motorhomes and used motorhomes for sale. We recognise the value of either to our customers, and how much of a wrench it would be if a vehicle was stolen, so we hope that this blog goes some way to helping you with the planning and implementation of the steps to take to protect yourself, whether we’re talking about pre-loved motorhomes or brand new. If there is any further information or advice you require, simply get in touch with us and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to help! Wandahome – your friendly motorhome dealer, Yorkshire proud, Yorkshire helpful!